Mountains to Molehills: ‘It's sad'

Published: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 7:51 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 7:51 a.m.

Lynnette Gardner of Saluda couldn't disagree more with Mountains to Molehills readers pleased with Election Day results for the presidential race. "I'm ticked off about the election," she says. "You know, what were people thinking? Four more years! I mean, if it's this bad now, in four more years you're going to have more dependence on the system by people who then will not want to give it up. Our parents and grandparents worked hard, and if they couldn't make it, they had family, friends and their church family to help them out, not the government. I just don't understand how people who re-elected President Barack Obama can say they are better off than they were four years ago. It's sad."

Facts

Reach Lou Parris at 828-694-7836 or molehills@blueridgenow.com

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‘SAMARITAN'S PURSE': An effort to send shoe boxes filled with helpful items to people in need around the globe is under way at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Jan Collins of Hendersonville is impressed by the generosity of the community. "Our goal is 500 shoe boxes, and last week we had filled 375," she reports. "We're collecting hygienic items, toys, candy and school supplies for Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child, to send to refugee camps and schools overseas. You know, you might wonder about some organizations and whether your gifts reach people in need, but I've seen the work of Samaritan's Purse, and I'm excited about being involved in its mission." For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 696-2996 or go online to samaritanspurse.org/occ.

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A NEEDED WIN: Carolina Panthers fan Mark Rankin of Hendersonville is glad to see that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton gained some confidence in the recent win against the Washington Redskins. "I had so many breathing down my back before that game, so I'm glad they beat the Redskins," he says. "I'm also pulling for the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a die-hard fan, and although they're not up to what they should be right now, I will always be there for them. The Cowboys and Panthers — they'll pull through someday. But Cam needs to pick it up."

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RUDE PARROT: A guy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was an obscenity. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude. The guy tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music and doing anything he could think of to improve the situation. Nothing worked. Finally, in a moment of desperation, he put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream, and then, suddenly, there was quiet. He was afraid he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said, "I believe I offended you with my rude language and actions. I'll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness." The guy was astonished at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what had brought about such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the chicken did to you?"

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Home for the Holidays continues to bring exciting activities to Historic Hendersonville. The carriage rides on Fridays, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., begin at the corner of Allen and Main streets. You can pick up a card at the Visitors Center for a $5 discount. And mark your calendars for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. The ceremony will include storytelling, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. The Hendersonville Christmas parade will take place Dec. 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street from Five Points to Caswell Street.

<p>Lynnette Gardner of Saluda couldn't disagree more with Mountains to Molehills readers pleased with Election Day results for the presidential race. "I'm ticked off about the election," she says. "You know, what were people thinking? Four more years! I mean, if it's this bad now, in four more years you're going to have more dependence on the system by people who then will not want to give it up. Our parents and grandparents worked hard, and if they couldn't make it, they had family, friends and their church family to help them out, not the government. I just don't understand how people who re-elected President Barack Obama can say they are better off than they were four years ago. It's sad."</p><p>u</p><p>'SAMARITAN'S PURSE': An effort to send shoe boxes filled with helpful items to people in need around the globe is under way at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Jan Collins of Hendersonville is impressed by the generosity of the community. "Our goal is 500 shoe boxes, and last week we had filled 375," she reports. "We're collecting hygienic items, toys, candy and school supplies for Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child, to send to refugee camps and schools overseas. You know, you might wonder about some organizations and whether your gifts reach people in need, but I've seen the work of Samaritan's Purse, and I'm excited about being involved in its mission." For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 696-2996 or go online to samaritanspurse.org/occ.</p><p>u</p><p>A NEEDED WIN: Carolina Panthers fan Mark Rankin of Hendersonville is glad to see that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton gained some confidence in the recent win against the Washington Redskins. "I had so many breathing down my back before that game, so I'm glad they beat the Redskins," he says. "I'm also pulling for the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a die-hard fan, and although they're not up to what they should be right now, I will always be there for them. The Cowboys and Panthers — they'll pull through someday. But Cam needs to pick it up."</p><p>u</p><p>RUDE PARROT: A guy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was an obscenity. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude. The guy tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music and doing anything he could think of to improve the situation. Nothing worked. Finally, in a moment of desperation, he put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream, and then, suddenly, there was quiet. He was afraid he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said, "I believe I offended you with my rude language and actions. I'll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness." The guy was astonished at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what had brought about such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the chicken did to you?"</p><p>u</p><p>LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Home for the Holidays continues to bring exciting activities to Historic Hendersonville. The carriage rides on Fridays, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., begin at the corner of Allen and Main streets. You can pick up a card at the Visitors Center for a $5 discount. And mark your calendars for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. The ceremony will include storytelling, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. The Hendersonville Christmas parade will take place Dec. 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street from Five Points to Caswell Street.</p>